Darien Mayor Sets Goals for 2020

DARIEN, IL — Darien Mayor Joseph Marchese listed the city's goals for 2020, including the redevelopment of the vacant property at the northwest corner of Cass Avenue and Plainfield Road.

He appeared to be referring to the land that is the site of the Old Phillips 66 gas station. Developer John Manos, who owns Brookhaven Plaza, is seeking to construct a building that will house an Italian restaurant and Dunkin' Donuts, which will move from its place in Brookhaven.

Manos is seeking $150,000 from the city for the project. That would help him pay for enhanced architecture similar to the city's nearby clock tower.

Marchese listed Darien's goals in Friday's edition of the city's weekly online newsletter, Darien Direct Connect. Here are the other goals:

• Working with the Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Cooperative, or NIMEC, to seek the best electric service pricing for residents with the objective of providing 100 percent renewable power.
• Carrying out goals identified in the recent "strategic communications plan," which will enhance the city's "community engagement" efforts.
• The new Economic Development Committee will start the Business Engagement Program by visiting local businesses to seek their input in an effort to enhance and solidify its presence in Darien.
• Creating community events to be held at Carriage Green Country Club such as summer concerts, seasonal celebrations and movies.
• Producing a community video emphasizing the city's attractions and businesses.
• Actively taking part in the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference, which is a council of 33 municipal governments in DuPage County.
• Looking into the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles, specifically for public works, as the city starts the process of replacing vehicles. This is part of the city's goal of becoming a "sustainable energy community."